St. Valentines Day, or, John Bull intercepting a letter to his wife : copy of the letter.
Executed by Rowlandson after Woodward. Cf. Grego.
Print with etched text.
From the library of Gordon N. Ray.
Print shows John Bull with his wife seated with a small table between them covered with papers; he holds a letter in hand to which he gestures angrily, saying: I say Madam--this is a very scandalous work--I have read the letter and insist on an explanation!--I am afraid you are a very bad Woman Mrs. Bull. Mrs. Bull regards her husband with a grin, replying: Dear Johnny dont be so alarmed I dare say it is some Gentleman who wishes to take me under his protection! and believe me Johnny without that you will never make a figure in the fashionable World. Below the image is the text of a love letter, beginning: My Dearest Dear, I received your sweet dear little letter letter, and with them the leather Breeches and blessed be the fair hand that sewed on the buttons ...; signed: Ralph Marrow-bone.
Tegg, Thomas, 1776-1845, publisher.
Ray, Gordon Norton, 1915-1986, former owner.